Program Manager, AmeriCorps VISTA - National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA)

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA), founded in 1911, is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in delivering legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. For 100 years, NLADA has pioneered access to justice at the national, state, and local level through our work on access to justice for criminal and civil matters. Our work has influenced the creation of groundbreaking legislation and institutions, from the Sentencing Project to the Legal Services Corporation. A leader in developing national standards for indigent defense services, NLADA also provides advocacy, training, and technical assistance to indigent defense programs nationwide. 

The Program Manager reports to the Director of Grants Management and is responsible for the comprehensive management of NLADA’s AmeriCorps VISTA Program, encompassing internal program oversight, compliance, and the development of strategic external partnerships. This role requires a thoughtful application of an equity and inclusion lens across all aspects of the program to ensure its alignment with NLADA’s mission. 

NLADA’s AmeriCorps VISTA program supports public defense agencies by placing AmeriCorps VISTA members who implement best practices and create sustainable systems to enhance legal services for those who cannot afford counsel. 

To learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA, please visit: AmeriCorps VISTA and the NLADA VISTA Program. 

The AmeriCorps VISTA Program Manager will: 

Program Management 

• Execute MOUs and manage the Federal AmeriCorps VISTA grant, including proposals, reporting, budget oversight, and relationships with Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), and funding partners. 

• Improve internal systems by developing a program manual to reduce administrative burdens. 

• Regularly evaluate the VISTA program for compliance and effectiveness, and secure additional grants and sponsorships. 

Program Expansion and Strategic Partnerships 

• Expand partnerships with public defender offices and other stakeholders to grow VISTA host sites. 

• Manage the VISTA Advisory Council, overseeing project proposal reviews and community input. 

• Advocate for program improvements, promote the VISTA program at events, and create a sustainability plan addressing budget, racial justice, and emerging needs. 

Recruitment and Communication 

• Lead recruitment efforts for VISTA members and host sites, ensuring diversity and alignment with program needs. 

• Oversee the creation of promotional materials, social media, and website updates to enhance program visibility. 

Training / Convening Activities 

• Develop and deliver orientation and training for VISTA members and site supervisors, enhancing their skills and program effectiveness. 

• Facilitate community-building and reflection among VISTA members through structured activities. 

VISTA Site and Member Support 

• Provide ongoing support to site supervisors and VISTA members, including technical assistance, training, and regular communication. 

• Conduct annual site visits to ensure program goals are met, and address issues as they arise, mentoring members and supporting new VISTAs with onboarding and engagement events. 

• Connect VISTA members with resources to foster their professional growth and enhance their service experience. 

Supervision and Staff Development 

• Supervise program staff and the VISTA Leader, providing feedback, guidance, and professional development support. 

• Manage personnel by implementing HR policies, hiring and training staff, monitoring performance, and effectively delegating tasks. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Engage in grant-related activities, support organizational stability through cross-training, and perform other duties as assigned. 

• Minimum of 5 years of full-time experience (or equivalent) in nonprofit organizations, the legal field, public policy, community-based groups, government, or academia. 

• Demonstrated cultural competence and a commitment to equity and inclusion, with the ability to provide effective leadership in a diverse community. 

• Proven ability to meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and work independently with a high level of self-direction, as well as part of a team. 

• Strong project management skills. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to groups. 

• Conflict resolution skills. 

• Previous organizational budgeting experience. 

• Familiarity with government and nonprofit data sources. 

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively. 

• Commitment to accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Ability to travel within the United States. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 

Additional Requirements: 

• Candidates must complete and pass a National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) before the start of work.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Economics, Social Sciences, Public Administration) or equivalent experience. A graduate or professional degree is preferred. 

• Experience managing programs or projects within a nonprofit, association, legal sector, or related fields. 

• Knowledge of issues facing the legal sector, particularly in the areas of legal aid and public defense. 

• Experience with the access to justice community, civil legal aid, or federal Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable is a plus. 

• Prior supervisory experience or experience leading a team. 

• Experience using eGrants. 

• Previous experience as a National Service member (AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, etc.). 

• Previous experience managing a National Service program, including program/curriculum design. 

• Proficiency in using social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram), online meeting and presentation platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Workspace), and hiring platforms (e.g., Handshake, LinkedIn). 

Compensation:   $65,000.00 to $70,000.00 annually DOE

Working Conditions/Physical Demands 

• Requires frequent verbal communication in the form of public speaking in front of groups, often for several hours at a time. 

• Requires frequent use of a telephone, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or other applications, speaking in a clear and understandable manner. 

• Requires frequent participation in repetitive motion activities, including typing on a computer keyboard and/or other tasks. 

• Frequently requires the ability to work for several hours at a time at a desk and computer monitor. 

How We Support Staff

• Free individual Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employee coverage, reduced rates for family coverage, and a health care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employer-provided life insurance policy and Short-Term and Long-term disability benefits
• Wellness support, to include paid sick leave, Family Medical Leave Act, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid time off, to include recognition of all federal holidays, a paid day off on months without a federal holiday and is closed the week between December 24th and January 1st.

Hours: NLADA’s office hours are 9:00 am through 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. 

Location: Remote & Hybrid eligible role. Weekly in-office attendance required for local staff. Monthly travel is required for non-local staff to the NLADA office in Washington, D.C.; other travel required. 

Other: NLADA is recognized as an Employer of National Service with the Corporation for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. 

NLADA is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, creed, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability, pregnancy, personal appearance, marital or family status, or any other status protected by District of Columbia and any other applicable state and Federal laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.